Everyone needs a computer at work, especially those who use social media and email. Unfortunately, many think buying a primary PC from a big-box store is the best way to start a business. However, buying a business PC from a store such as Best Buy or Walmart is not the best idea. There are several features that a more specialized model can provide that will make your office more productive.
Business computers are built to last longer than consumer models and are more accessible to service.
How Much Memory?
One of the essential factors you should consider when buying a new computer is the amount of memory. Most people only need around 8GB of memory, the minimum amount that most new systems should feature. If you’re a graphic artist or web developer, you should go for 16GB. One of the main advantages of having more memory is that it allows you to open more programs and windows simultaneously, which can speed up the process of multimedia tasks such as editing photos. 8GB is ideal for occasional-use computers that won’t require you to open multiple programs simultaneously.
Storage Options
Although you’ll often see exceptions, business computers typically require less storage space than consumer devices. Since most people are unlikely to use their computers to store their photos or videos, they tend to require less space than consumer computers. Most of the files you or your user access will be held on servers, and business people spend much of their time in cloud services. A solid-state drive costs less than a traditional hard drive. However, it’s still faster than a conventional hard drive and can boot programs almost as fast as your phone. If you need more storage for your business, a 256GB solid-state drive is ideal.
Although optical drives are no longer as crucial for consumer computers, a DVD burner is still valuable for small-business computers. It can be used to burn DVDs or CDs, or it can be used to store important files that were previously stored on a hard drive. Most computers won’t come with these types of drives anymore, but you should still check for models that have them.
Graphics Needs
Workers who require specialized equipment typically need a PC with discrete graphics, a separate graphics card or a processor. These systems are usually ideal for tasks such as rendering 3D graphics in architectural drawings or content creation. If you’re looking for a computer ideal for general tasks, such as web surfing and email, then ultra-small and ultra-slim form factors are probably the best choices.